Drone Bridge inspection | Engineers with Drones

Bridge inspections with little or no downtime.

Bridges need to be inspected on a regular basis to ensure safe operations. Drones are revolutionising this process by eliminating the need for expensive cranes, scaffolding or rope access. Removing these access difficulties means less downtime and traffic disruption. Drone bridge inspections are safer, more cost-efficient and faster. Using UAVs we carry out detailed and fast bridge inspections. All our inspections are tailored to your safety inspection requirements.

The pier of a steel bridge — Pinpoint Problem Areas

Pinpoint Problem Areas

Using ultra-high-definition cameras and zoom lenses we can pinpoint areas that are suffering from decay, cracks, erosion, corrosion and other damage. Enjoy peace of mind in knowing that issues that are causing, and have the potential to cause, serious problems will be found quickly and efficiently.

A concrete bridge being inspected — Remote Monitoring

Remote Monitoring

The use of drone 3D modelling technologies gives you the opportunity to inspect a digital twin of a bridge from the comfort of your office. This detailed replica can be inspected at a minute level, allowing you to make a record of any areas that are in need of attention. Issues such as poorly executed repairs, general damage and other potential weaknesses can be shared with your employees, suppliers and other shareholders at the click of a button.

Drainage piping as seen on a bridge inspection — Detect Delamination

Detect Delamination

Deploying drones using thermal imagery cameras allows you to instantly see areas affected by delamination on the bridge's deck. Traditional methods, such as the chain drag test, are labour-intensive and open for miscalculations. With the faster and more accurate results offered by thermal imagery, these methods are also becoming outdated.

Missing stone ona bridge across an estuary — Next Level Detail

Next Level Detail

Drones equipped with LIDAR technology produce high-resolution 3D models and maps of your bridge. LIDAR deliverables allow you to remotely inspect bridge forensics and assessments at the highest level of detail.

Detail of the steelwork of a pedestrian bridge — Access Hard-To-Reach Areas

Access Hard-To-Reach Areas

The use of specialist impact-resistance technology deployed with our drones allows us to access areas that are otherwise too hazardous or difficult to reach. Get instant data from confined spaces without the time-consuming, labour-intensive and costly methods of the past, and with zero risk to personnel.

The steel lattice work of an old riveted bridge — Keep Traffic Flowing

Keep Traffic Flowing

Conventional bridge inspection methods are tedious and can take several hours or even days to complete. Typically, the bridge must be closed to traffic while an inspection is underway. Drone bridge inspections are a faster and more cost-effective solution, that won't affect local citizens or commerce.

Why choose us?

Qualified engineers

As licensed engineers, we also provide the expertise, understanding, and knowledge necessary to carry out a thorough inspection, with deliverables to match. Our skilled engineers are at the ready.

IAA certification

The Irish Aviation Authority has awarded Engineers with Drones full approval in accordance with the most recent European-wide EASA regulations.

Latest technology

To ensure that you always get the best possible service and cutting-edge deliverables, we purchase the most up-to-date drone technology as soon as it's available.

Rigorous HSSE standards

The operation of Engineers With Drones is governed by a comprehensive HSSE system. Our guiding principles are to reduce risk through rigorous assessment, and to maintain a high level of staff education and training.

Fully insured

We have 6.5 million in public and product liability insurance, and 13 million in employers' liability insurance. Engineers with Drones are fully insured to fly wherever you need.

Based in Ireland

As we're situated in Ireland, we can respond to your needs quickly, with zero travel complications.

First-class deliverables

As seasoned engineers in the field, we are aware of the trouble that shoddy reports and deliverables can create. For this reason, we provide you with exactly what you require.

Quick turnaround times

Thanks to our fast turnaround times, your entire project can be completed in a fraction of the time of traditional methods, without any compromise in the quality of your deliverables.

4K and VR Footage

In addition to quadrupling the resolution of an HD camera, 4K also gives you quicker frame rates, incredible contrast variations, and expanded colours. VR video takes the level of immersion and clarity to the next level.

Why use a drone for your bridge inspection?

No scaffolding or ropes

Drone technology is cheaper, safer and more reliable than traditional methods such as scaffolding, cherry-pickers and ropes. It's also quicker and less labour-intensive. We will bring everything we need and be out of your way that same day.

No traffic disruption

Downtime is expensive, unpopular and inconvenient. Using a drone, our engineers can conduct a thorough survey with little to no downtime.

No risk to your assets

Our equipment won't touch or even go close to your assets. Our high-resolution cameras use optical zoom to give extreme close-up views while staying a safe distance away.

Detect hidden problems

We use cutting-edge technologies to detect problems that would otherwise be invisible. These include ultra-HD photography/video, LIDAR and thermal imaging.

Quick turnaround

We understand that you need answers fast. We can deliver a plain-English report with clear-cut conclusions in days. Then, you can take the steps you need to and get back to doing what you do best.

Rapid response

Need us there in a hurry? No problem. Let us know what you need, and we can be there on the same day. After all, sometimes the problem just won't wait.

Real-time consulting

Sometimes the brief can change even in real-time. If need be, you can be stood there right next to the drone operator, directing them as the situation develops.

Safety

The safety of your personnel and our own is paramount, and we place it at the forefront of our company culture. Ask us about our HSSE systems and practices.

Where traditional methods fall short...

Previously, without a drone...

To perform a thorough bridge inspection or survey from ground level, the work is broken into two separate processes. Firstly, aerial work platforms (AWP) are erected to get visuals above the bridge. And secondly, cherry pickers or scaffolding are needed to get a closer look underneath. Using traditional methods you can only cover small areas at a time. In addition to that, there is also the cost of the equipment needed to give inspection teams access to the structure. Both of these processes are not only a risk to human life, but also time-intensive and disruptive to traffic on and under the bridge.

A drone inspection of a bridge in Ireland

Get a closer look without the hassle, delays or risk

Drone bridge inspections are more efficient

Today, using drone technology...

One flyover with a drone can take in the entirety of a bridge, both above and below. Traffic remains unaffected. Because there is no need for structural support, the whole process is completed in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost. With the added mobility of a drone, we can view a bridge from previously impossible angles and access confined spaces with ease.

Detailed, actionable reports

Using state-of-the-art technology, we can find and highlight issues that are hard to find or even invisible to the naked eye. This saves further time in the repair or replacement of bridge components. Tradespeople and other personnel on-site can be directed to areas of concern with pinpoint accuracy and with all the information they need. These reports can also be shared digitally with anyone else that may need to examine them. For example, with stakeholders and insurance companies.

How does it work?

Reach out and tell us your idea

We take emails, phone calls, messages, everything! If you are unsure of what's possible we are happy to advise, the most important thing is to get in touch. We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Start at the end

With drones, it's best to begin where you want to end up. What sort of deliverable would you like when it's all finished? If you are not sure then we can advise. We can look at what you would like and work backwards from there.

Scope of work and set a price

Once we have agreed on what is to be done, the scope of work is set and a price is agreed upon. We feel it is vital that everyone knows what they are getting and what they are paying for it. There should be no confusion.

Permits and other paperwork

Once we have confirmation you are happy to proceed, we start the ball rolling. We organise things like RAMS, site permits, Air Traffic Control clearance and much more. Basically, we generate everything needed to turn up on-site with all our ducks in a row.

Field Operations

Next, we do the work on site. We have the gear, we have the know-how, so now it's time to get the job done. This can sometimes be affected by the weather, but for the most part, we get the job done on the date specified.

Post Processing

This is where we take what we generated in the field and turn it into a final deliverable for you. This can be anything from the raw data itself, to fully processed Orthophotos, condition reports, CAD line work or thermal imagery.

Handover

The final step is the handover of the deliverables. We tend to use a cloud-based service, so you can access your data anywhere. We can also tie into your existing systems if that is more convenient.

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Our Services Not just photos from the sky

Spoiler alert: we don't do weddings! We're professional engineers who have learned to fly drones really well. If you're looking for a photo of your garden or a swooshing shot of your wedding reception, we're probably not the right people for you. But if you need an engineer's eyes and experience, combined with next-generation UAV technology and industry-leading deliverables, then you've come to the right place.

Drone Photography

Capture high-quality imagery of your assets from never before seen vantage points.

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3D LIDAR Surveys

Record incredibly detailed elevation data to aid in ultra-precise measurements and calculations.

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Photogrammetry

Capture real-world locations and assets digitally, for quicker and more cost-efficient inspections.

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Internal Confined Spaces

Mitigate the risk factors of traditional confined space inspections, without compromising on quality.

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What technology do we use for bridge inspections?

We purchase the latest drones as they come on the market to ensure you are getting the highest quality service from us at all times. Here is a quick look at what we would be most likely to use for a typical drone bridge inspection.

Our equipment

DJI MatriceM300 RTK

Our flagship drone: The M300 RTK by DJI is the premier enterprise-level inspection drone on the market. With a flight time of up to 55 minutes, lots of built-in redundancy, and a host of payloads to choose from, this is our go-to UAV for inspection work. When coupled with the Zenmuse H20T camera, it is capable of safely inspecting high-value assets at a stand-off range.

Drone
Camera
Thermal Imaging
Ultra HD
Long range

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Our equipment

MultinnovStereo 2

Stereo 2 confined space drone by Multinnov

The confined space master: The Stereo 2 by Multinnov is the cutting-edge in confined space and indoor inspection drone technology. Eliminating the need to send personnel into hazardous locations, the Multinnov Stereo 2 can be deployed at a fraction of the cost, and with zero downtime. This is a drone designed from the ground up to get into restrictive and hard-to-reach places.